Daniel Petric

Hometown: New York, NY

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Minor in Urban Studies

2019

Give a little general information about yourself: How did you become interested in architecture?

Architecture really became a significant part of my life in my sophomore year of high school. Aside from being a child and building anything imaginable out of everything from Legos to Lincoln Logs, I only truly realized architecture was what I wanted to do with my life after taking an elective my junior year of high school.

What kind of career do you hope to have?

In the most ideal of worlds, I would like to move back home after I complete my professional degree (M. Arch.) and continue working for the architecture firm I have interned with for the past two summers, Hill West Architects. They specialize in everything from a city store front to a 60-story-tall skyscraper. The challenge of building in the urban fabric, especially one as close knit and intertwined as New York City, is what interests me most about the field of architecture.

What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte, the College of Arts + Architecture, or the School of Architecture?

When it comes to the College of Arts + Architecture, I love the interdisciplinary study that the different departments and majors try to cultivate amongst one another. I participated in two UNC Charlotte choirs during my first three years at UNC Charlotte and I loved the escape from the sometimes overwhelming world of architecture, into the exciting world of music. The School of Architecture truly has done an exceptional job with study abroad options, and it's one of my favorite parts of the School. I plan to embark on the second faculty-led semester-long study abroad program in Rome this upcoming Spring 2019.

Do you participate in any community cultural activities, internships, or work in the Charlotte design community? If so, please describe.

I like to frequent different places around Charlotte, for a handful of different events. Famous for its craft brewing, Charlotte has a multitude of breweries across the city that all host different community events that I like to attend. The last design-oriented event I attended was Barkitecture at NoDa Brewery, a design-based event where different architecture firms from around Charlotte and the surrounding metropolitan area each built a custom dog house to be auctioned and sold to raise money for local animal shelters.

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not focusing on schoolwork, I love to get out of my apartment and be in the fresh air and sunlight, either somewhere with my friends in South End or NoDa, or even by myself relaxing by the pool. I also love attending fun university events, like the football games and student tailgates. They’re a great way to take your mind off of school and still be able to get your work done for studio on Monday!